The Logo Geek Podcast

Want to know what it takes to design logos? In the Logo Geek Podcast, show host Ian Paget finds out by interviewing successful graphic designers and entrepreneurs around the world so you can learn from their experiences.

Season 3

#3.12: An interview with Armin Vit

Armin Vit has established himself as an influential figure in the logo design space through his fantastic logo and brand identity reviews under the umbrella of Brand New, which now receives over 1.8 million page views each month. But how did he get started, how does he approach his reviews and what lessons has he learned along the way? In this interview Ian finds out.

#3.11: How a new mum built a design agency – An interview with Rebecca Heinemann

Following a successful design career and the birth of her son, Rebecca Heinemann built her own design agency CraftWell so that she could have a better work/life balance. In this episode Ian interviews Rebecca to discuss her background, the reason why she built her own business, the steps she took to get it up and running and the challenges and fears faced along the way. We also discuss why we both feel it’s important to work within agencies before considering building your own business.

#3.10: An interview with Louise Fili

On this weeks episode Ian interviews Louise Fili, an Italian-American graphic designer who’s specialised in brand development for food packaging and restaurants for the past 30 years. We discuss how she discovered her niche, her logo design process, typography design, her incredible books and so much more. Louise Fili is a member of the Art Directors Hall of Fame, and has received the medal for Lifetime Achievement from the AIGA and the Type Directors Club.

Having worked on the design of sports logos and brands for over 15 years, Michael Raisch, a graphic designer at Fanbrandz has developed a deep understanding of designing identities for sports clubs. In this episode we dive into the differences you need to consider when working on the design of sports logos and brand identities, and some of the stories behind where the ideas were formed. Michael is also a very talented content creator, so we also discuss how he’s able to create engaging and relevant content which has attracted attention from big publications including The Guardian, HOW Design, CNN and People Magazine.

If you’re looking for a design job it can often be hard to find an opportunity, even if you’re the most talented designer. But if you get your CV and portfolio right, and put yourself out there too you’re more likely to get the job you’ve always wanted. To help you with this, on this weeks podcast Ian speaks with Charli Prangley to discuss job application tips, portfolio, CV and job interview advice, and also how she found her dream job through networking, public speaking, YouTube videos, Podcasts and a number of side projects too. Charli is a remote designer and developer at Convert Kit, and is also a co-host on the Design Life Podcast.

#3.7: The Fundamentals of Typography – An Interview With Michael Stinson

Typography is a core component of logo design, but so many designers lack the essential knowledge needed to use fonts correctly. To solve that, this week Ian interviews Michael Stinson to talk about the fundamentals of type, choosing and managing fonts, licensing, laying out content, book recommendations and more. Michael is the typography instructor at Laguna College of Art + Design, and is also the founder and lead Instructor at TypeEd, an educational platform that teach designers about the fundamental theory of type.

#3.6: Discover Your Personal Brand – An Interview with Radim Malinic

Are you struggling to work out who you are as a designer? Working out your purpose and personal brand? In this weeks episode Ian talks with Radim Malinic to learn how he discovered his passion for design, and the journey he took to establish his personal brand. We also find out how he’s been able to attract big clients, and more about his latest book, ‘Book of Ideas: Volume 2’. Radim is an award winning freelance creative director, graphic designer and keynote speaker based in London who’s worked with clients including Nike, Harry Potter, London Film Museum, SyCo, Sprite and WWF.

#3.5: An interview with George Bokhua

In this episode Ian speaks to George Bokhua, a truly talented graphic designer, who’s worked with companies including Disney, New Balance, NFL and Wired Magazine. Having followed his work for years, Ian describes George as one of the best practicing logo designers in the world today, so this interview dives into his life as a designer, his logo design process, idea generation, using grid systems, using social media, pricing a logo and so much more. It’s an insightful interview with a real master of logo design.

Finding potential logo design leads can be a challenge, but once they contact you how do you convert them to clients? How do you know if they will be good to work work with? What should you send them? On this weeks episode Ian talks with Emily Cohen to learn more about qualifying clients, then creating proposals and contracts to convert your prospects into clients. Emily is a brutally honest consultant who provides strategic business advice to creative firms, and the author of the book Brutally Honest.

Episode 3.3: Value Based Pricing – An Interview With Blair Enns

Value Based Pricing is a term that frequently comes up when people talk about service based businesses, but exactly how it works is often a mystery to us designers. In this episode Ian speaks to Blair Enns to learn what value based pricing is, and how it can be used to build a profitable business whilst also providing the best service possible to your clients. Blair Enns is the author of the highly acclaimed book The Win Without Pitching Manifesto, and Pricing Creativity: a guide to profit beyond the billable hour.

Episode 3.2: Saying No to Clients – An interview with Sagi Haviv

Logo design is a collaborative process between designer and client, but from time to time in order to provide the best possible service you need to say ‘no’. But how do you do that without damaging the client relationship? In this episode Ian Paget interviews Sagi Haviv to learn the techniques he uses to gain credibility and provide confidence so that when the time comes… he can say no without damaging the client relationship. Sagi is a parter and designer at Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv, who has designed over 60 identity programs, including the logos for the Library of Congress, Harvard University Press, and the US Open.

Episode 3.1: Creative Strategy and the Business of Design with Douglas Davis

To be a successful designer, freelancer, or small business owner you need to understand strategy and business, so to kick off season 3 Ian chats with Douglas Davis, the author of the hugely popular book “Creative Strategy and the Business of Design” to discuss the importance of understanding business, and using a strategic approach when working as a designer. Douglas is the associate professor within the Communication Design department at New York City College of Technology in Brooklyn.

Season 2

Episode 2.10: Talking Logo Design with Tom Geismar

In this interview Ian speaks with Tom Geismar, one of the most highly acclaimed designers in the industry. We discuss logo design, including the process before computers, presenting to the client, working in black and white, mistakes to avoid, pricing big projects, launching a new identity, a beautiful tribute to Ivan Chermayeff and more. Tom is a founding partner of design agency Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv, where he worked on iconic logos for brands including Mobil Oil, Xerox, Chase Bank and many more.

Episode 2.9: Logos & Type Design for Comic Books with Rian Hughes

In this episode Ian chats with Rian Hughes, a British graphic designer, illustrator, writer and comic book artist. Rian is best known for his work in the British and American comic book industry, having created many logo designs for Marvel and DC including Batman and Robin, Bat Girl, Spider-Man, The X-Men, Captain America, Wolverine, The Script, The Invisibles… the list goes on! In this episode we talk about Rians approach to logo and type design, as well as his new book Logo-A-Gogo, an inspirational visual history of the iconic brand identities created Rian.

Episode 2.8: Growing an Instagram Following to 600k with Jonathan Rudolph

Instagram has become a popular method for designers to find inspiration for logo design, however, did you know that by being active on the platform you can attract clients? But what do you need to do to increase engagement? How do you grow your following to attract potential clients? In this episode Ian chats with the founder of Logo Inspirations, Jonathan Rudolph to find out. We learn how he grew his following to almost 600,000, whilst also making an income of over $5000+ a month. We also discover how Jonathan started Logo Inspirations, how he fits it around a full time job.

Episode 2.7: Building a Life in Identity Design, An interview with Ben Loiz

In this interview Ian speaks with Identity designer Ben Loiz to learn from his 18 years experience. We speak about his early life that lead him to start his own studio, his hands-on logo design process, the files he sends, the importance of work life balance (with tips), how he networks to attract big named clients such as Nike and CocaCola, and how he’s able to use photography to present and elevate the quality of his identity design work.

Episode 2.6: How to Use Mood Boards in Logo Design with Mariah Althoff

What is a mood board, how do you create one and how can they be used to improve your logo design process and client communication? In this podcast, Ian chats with Mariah Althoff, a freelance brand identity designer, to find out. We also learn how Mariah started her business, and how she’s created a number of clever sales funnels that include Training Courses, Pinterest and Email Marketing.

Episode 2.5: Creating a Personal Brand with Jacob Cass

As a designer you need a personal brand. But what name should you use? How do you design your own logo? Do you need a website and what should be on it? In this episode Ian chats with Jacob Cass to find out. We also find out how Jacob has been able to travel the world whilst working as a freelance designer, how he designs a logo, and how he makes a passive income from affiliate marketing. Jacob Cass is a logo, brand and web designer best known for his blog and business, Just Creative.

Episode 2.4: YouTube, Lettering & Logos with Will Paterson

Can sharing tips and tutorials on YouTube attract logo design clients? Yes. In this weeks podcast we chat with Will Paterson who has been able to just that. We learn how Will started his YouTube channel, the tools and software used, and how he’s able to manage his time to create consistent content, whilst also taking on client design projects too. We also deep dive into his logo design and hand lettering process. Will Paterson is a well-known logo designer and hand lettering artist specialising in logotype design. He’s best know for his YouTube channel, where he shares weekly tips and advice for designers, which has grown to a following of over 234,000 subscribers.

Episode 2.3: Learn by studying design masters with Malinda Livsey

Have you ever analysed a logo design in detail so that you can really understand why design decisions were made? What if you did that with logo designs from graphic design masters, such as Paul Rand? What could you learn by doing so?. This week Ian chats with Malinda Livsey to find out why she started to study logos and what she’s learned. We also discuss her logo design process and how she’s been able to reduce the time spent on projects by half, whilst increasing her prices too simply by implementing core strategy sessions as part of her design services. Melinda is the founder and Creative Director of her own branding agency, Marks & Maker.

Episode 2.2: Talking Branding, Logos & Social Proof with David Brier

What is branding and why does it matter? What steps do you need to take to build a brand identity? What makes a great logo? and how can you use social proof to attract clients? We answer these questions and more in this interview with branding guru David Brier. David is an award-winning veteran in branding, rebrands, design and brand strategy, having received over 330 international industry recognitions for his work. He’s also the author of a newly released book, Brand Intervention.

Episode 2.1: Using Strategy in Logo Design With Marty Neumeier

Why is strategy important when designing a logo? How can you use strategy as part of your design process? In this episode branding expert and thought leader Marty Neumeier answers these questions, as well as explaining in detail how to test a trademark design before releasing it to the public. Marty is the Director of Transformation at Liquid Agency, and the author of some of the very best books on branding and design including; Brand Gap, Zag and Brand Flip.

Season 1

Episode 1.10: The Steps to Design a Brand Identity, with Alina Wheeler

What is branding, and how do you go about starting a brand identity design project? In this weeks episode Ian chats with Alina Wheeler, the author of the popular book, Designing Brand Identity. In this episode we deep dive into the steps that need to be taken to rebrand a business from start to finish. We also discuss Alinas book, which is now on its 5th edition.

Do you spend all your time searching for clients, attending events and cold calling? What if there was a better way to do this, and instead have potential customers simply find you when they need your logo design services? Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the solution. In this episode Ian chats with freelance content marketeer, and SEO expert Ryan Robinson who shares actionable information that you can use now to start getting your design portfolio in the hands of real clients around the world!

Episode 1.8: How to start a logo design business, with Kyle Courtright

Have you ever dreamed of creating your own graphic design business but have no idea where to start? In this episode Ian chats with Kyle Courtright, who in 2013 ditched his 9 to 5 job to start the business of his dreams, Courtright designs. We find out how Kyle kickstarted his logo design business, how he’s attracted clients, and we also talk about an exciting new logo design awards site founded by Kyle, Logo Wave.

Episode 1.7: What it takes to work for a design agency, with Simon Manchipp

Do you want to work for a top brand design agency but not sure what it takes? In this episode Ian chats with Simon Manchipp, one of the founders of the hugely successful branding design agency ‘Someone’ to find out. We discuss the best design portfolios, common CV mistakes and much more.

Episode 1.6: The Personality of Type, with Sarah Hyndman

Every font has a personality that influences your interpretation of the words you are reading. In this weeks podcast Ian chats about this with Sarah Hyndman, the creator of TypeTasting, a range of fun events and experiences around type, which also doubles up as a research platform so to truly understand how every day people perceive type. In this episode we discuss Type Tasting events, how to select the perfect typeface for a logo, and Sarah’s fantastic books for designers, including ‘why fonts matter’.

Episode 1.5: Talking Logo Lounge & Logo Trends with Bill Gardner

Bill Gardner is the founder of corporate/brand identity design firm Gardner Designs, who specialise in logo design and branding. He also founded Logo Lounge, the searchable logo database which release an annual trend report for graphic designers. In this episode we discuss Logo Lounge, and Bills annual trend report.

Episode 1.4: Talking Logo Design with Aaron Draplin

Aaron James Draplin is a popular logo designer, and the man behind Draplin Design Co (DDC). His clients have included Nike, Apple, and the previous president of the USA, Barack Obama. In this episode Ian chats with him about Logo Design, and how he’s been able to attract big clients by working on fun projects for his own brand, and for friends.

Episode 1.3: Finding Your Passion & Turning it into a Business with Dina Rodriguez

Are you a designer searching for your true passion? After 5 years of working in design studios and never feeling satisfied, Dina Rodriguez started to draw again and discovered hand lettering… an area of design that has become her true passion. In this episode Ian talks with Dina about how she found her passion, and how she’s been able to turn that into a profitable business and personal brand.

Episode 1.2: How to Get Logo Design Clients with David Airey

Have you got the skills to design logos, but now want to know how to get clients? In this episode Ian chats with David Airey, a brand identity designer and writer, and the man behind the popular book and blog ‘Logo Design Love’ to learn how he’s been able to attract clients. He also offers advice on improving your portfolio, and provides an excellent pricing model freelance designers.

Episode 1.1: How to Charge More for Logo Design with Chris Do

Ever wondered how some designers are able to charge $500 and some others $10,000? What are they doing differently and how can you do the same? In this podcast we chat with Chris Do, founder and CEO of the award winning design consultancy Blind, and disruptive design education platform The Futur to answer that question…